Delegates took three rounds of voting to finalize the endorsement. Livingstone was eliminated after the first ballot - a nearly two-hour process mired in procedural wrangling - when he didn't receive the necessary 10 percent of delegates' votes.

Howe was within seven votes after the second round and eclipsed the necessary 60-percent support margin in Round 3, defeating Johnson 135-75.

"You're going to have a conservative voice in St. Paul," Howe told delegates after receiving the endorsement.

Livingstone and Johnson both said they would abide the endorsement.

"Now let's unite," Johnson said in his concession speech.

Howe's win sets the stage - partially, at least - for the November elections. But who that likely Democratic challenger will be remains to be seen. No Democrats have announced interest in seeking the DFL endorsement for the Senate seat or either House seat.

The race appeared to have energized many in the crowd, which included several Republican politicians.